Telethon Helping Swans Reduce Barriers

The Swan Districts Foundation has been announced as a successful recipient of a Channel 7 Telethon Trust grant, providing funds for 10 sports wheelchairs requested to enhance the Swans disability and inclusion programs.

The Foundation is a separate, independently managed entity to ensure the long-term future and sustainability of the Swan Districts Football Club. It provides funding to assist the club strengthen community, create social value, and build environments where people can be the best they can be.

With inclusion, access and opportunity being key pillars of the club’s social impact work, the Telethon grant means more of the local community can participate in sports programs, improving their physical and mental health without barriers.

Alongside fielding teams in the Perth Football League’s Integrated competition, and the WA All Abilities Wheelchair Football competition, Swans will now develop other local Wheelchair sports programs where anyone can play, regardless of ability or personal circumstances. This will include an inclusion education program delivered in schools.

Participation rates for young people with a disability are low and most do not meet physical activity requirements, which is something Swans are looking to address in its Diversity, Inclusion and Equality Action Plan.

Swans Head of Social Impact Jason Burton is thrilled with the announcement. “Often the barriers for engaging in community sport can be getting the right equipment and meeting the associated costs. So, it’s pleasing that with Telethon and the Swans Foundation, we can provide the equipment and opportunity for more people to participate in sport and be part of the club,” said Burton.

“To have the Foundation backing these programs is really important and is a great example of what Swans is about, which is helping create a world where everyone belongs, and empowering communities and individuals.”

“Being in attendance at the Telethon Giving Ceremony today and hearing about all the wonderful groups doing their best for young people facing health and disability issues, it’s really humbling that Swans have now also been trusted to deliver on behalf of the WA community and Telethon,” added Burton.

With delivery of the 10 sports chairs expected by mid-year, it gives time for the club’s Disability, Access and Inclusion Committee to plan the best way to engage those living with disability in activities in the second half of 2023.